Cronulla dentist Nicholas Southall allegedly treated patient after he was barred from practising

By Kate Aubusson

Updated4 February 2018 — 12:39amfirst published at 12:00am

A Sydney dentist who potentially exposed almost 1000 patients to infection by failing to properly sterilise his equipment has allegedly treated at least one patient after he was investigated and barred from practising.

NSW Health authorities last week contacted 930 patients who had invasive dental procedures performed by Dr Nicholas Southall at Cronulla Dental Surgery. Patients were urged to undergo testing for hepatitis b, hepatitis c and HIV after an investigation found evidence of poor cleaning and sterilisation of dental equipment in his practice.

Nicholas Southall outside his Lilli Pilli home.

Photo: Jessica Hromas

South East Sydney Local Health District stressed the risk of contracting a blood-borne infection from dental treatment was low, and no patients had returned positive results.

The investigation was triggered by a complaint to the Dental Council of NSW in September and Mr Southall was banned from practising dentistry from October to December while the investigation was under way. The Dental Council put conditions on his registration, barring him from practice until it could be reviewed. His registration has since lapsed and he can no longer practise.

The HCCC have received a complaint that former dentist Nicholas Southall (pictured) performed dental work on a patient when he was barred from practicing.

Photo: Nine News

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But one of Mr Southall's long-time patients said the former dentist treated her two weeks ago, in direct violation of his registration restrictions.

The patient – who did not wish to be identified – made an official complaint to the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC), alleging Mr Southall performed minor dental work while he was not permitted to do so.

Fairfax Media has seen a tax invoice for more than $275 worth of dental work performed after the infection risk investigation when Mr Southall was barred from practising. The invoice indicates it was issued by Mr Southall and includes his provider number.

Mr Southall could not be reached for a response.

Nicholas Southall practiced at Cronulla Dental Surgery.

Photo: Nine News

At no time during the booking process or the appointment did Mr Southall tell the patient he was under investigation and was banned from practising, she told the HCCC.

"Such behaviour is reprehensible in the extreme," her complaint read.

A screen shot of Nicholas Southall appearing on Millionaire Hot Seat.

Photo: Nine News

"He has shown a complete lack of professional conduct in practising after he was deregistered."

"It is one thing for a health professional not to adhere to regulatory standards. It is quite another to then keep seeing patients after being [restricted from practicing] without the patient's knowledge," she said.

A spokesman for the HCCC confirmed the commission had received a number of complaints in relation to Mr Southall and the practice, which were being assessed.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency is also investigating the allegations.

President of the NSW branch of the Australian Dental Association Neil Peppitt reassured the public that the risk of contracting a blood-borne infection while having dental work was low.

"Cases such as this are very rare," Dr Peppitt said.

He said the association's 4400 members in NSW and the ACT perform millions of procedures every year, with an overall outstanding standard of care.

"ADA NSW is committed to the highest standards of patient care. Infection control guidelines are stringent, and we work to ensure dentists meet required standards and adhere to all relevant professional guidelines," Dr Peppitt said.